Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Patron: Sacred Heart ofJesus Second Patron: St. Pius X

The Eparchy of Kottayam was erected exclusively for the Southist (Knanaya) Catholics in 1911. The Knanaya Community traces its origin from a group of Jewish-Christian emigrants from Southern Mesopotamia to the South Indian port of Cranganore in AD 345, who formed themselves into an endogamous community. They co-existed peacefully in the Indian nation and fulfilled their missionary purpose of re-invigorating the Church of St Thomas Christians. The original community consisted of about 400 persons belonging to 72 families of seven septs headed by Thomas of Kynai. A bishop by name Uraha Mar Yousef, four priests and several deacons were among them.
As the Catholicos of the East had promised the emigrants that he would send from time to time bishops to India, Uraha Mar Yousef had successors till the end of the 16th century. Under the East Syrian Bishops, the Knanaya Community had their own churches and priests distinct from those of the non-Knanaya St Thomas Christians. This system continued also under the Latin Rite European bishops, who governed the St Thomas Christians. When a ritual separation was effected for the Catholics in Kerala between the Orientals and Latins in 1887, all the Knanaya Catholics de facto were in the Apostolic Vicariate of Kottayam, and the Holy See ordered Bishop Charles Lavigne to appoint a separate Vicar General for the Knanaya Community. When the Vicariates Apostolic were re-organized into Trichur, Ernakulam and Changanassery and three indigenous bishops were appointed for the Syro-Malabarians in 1896 the bishop appointed for the Vicariate of Changanassery was Mar Mathew Makil, the former Vicar General for the Knanaya Community.
On August 29, 1911 a new Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was erected exclusively for the Knanaya Community by the Apostolic letter “In Universi Christiani” of His Holiness Pope St Pius X. On December 21, 1923 the Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was raised to an Eparchy by Pope Pius XI. When the territorial limits of the Syro-Malabar Church was extended in 1955, the jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Kottayam also was made co-extensive with the then extended territory of the Syro-Malabar Church.
On December 23, 2003 His Holiness Pope John Paul II made a sovereign decision that the status quo (pro gente suddistica) of the Eparchy of Kottayam must be maintained and left it to the Bishops’ Synod of the Syro-Malabar church to decide on the desired enhancement of the juridical status of the Eparchy of Kottayam. In November 2004 the synod gave its consent to elevate the Eparchy of Kottayam to the rank of a metropolitan see without a suffrogan eparchy. On March 21, 2005 the congregation for the oriental churches issued a letter of no-objection to the decision of the Bishop’s synod. Accordingly, on may 9, 2005 the Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil issued the decree “The Eparchy of Kottayam” elevating the Eparchy of Kottayam to the rank of a metropolitan see, and another decree “God our loving father”, appointing Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the first metropolitan of the newly erected metropolitan see of Kottayam. On June 3, 2005, the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, at a liturgical service the Major Archbishop canonically erected the metropolitan see of Kottayam and ordained and enthroned Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the first Metropolitan of Kottayam.
In the year 345 A.D., one Knai Thomman, a rich international merchant, and 72 families from Cana (Middle East), belonging to East Syrian Church (Chaldean), immigrated to Malabar (presently Kerala) and established their colony. In the group there were also priests, deacons and their bishop. Knai Thomman and his people were welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the Emperor, and were given permission to settle down in Kodungalloor. They built a town in Kodungalloor with a church and 72 houses. The natives called it Mahadevar Pattanam meaning "town of superiors". Later, Cheraman Perumal bestowed them with many princely privileges, and it was recorded on copper plates (Knai Thomman Cheppedu) given to Knai Thomman.
Knanaya Christians are the descendants of these Jewish Christian immigrants in Kerala. They were also called Southists (Thekkumbhagar) because they lived on the south side of Kodungalloor. The St. Thomas Christians (native Christians of Kerala) who lived on the north side of Kodungalloor were known as Northists (Vadakkumbhagar). Another tradition is that Knananites settled down on the south side of Periyar river while the native Christians lived on the north side of the river. It is also stated that Knananites were called Southists because they came from the southern kingdom of Judah.
Knanaya Christians are seen not only among the Catholics but also among the Orthodox Christians of Kerala, because when a group of Thomas Christians joined Jacobitism, among them there were Knanaya Christians too. They observe many rituals and traditions which are very peculiar to their own community. Even today, the Knananites continue to be an endogamous community. In order to keep the purity of their race and ethnicity, they do not
marry any one outside their community. They also keep away from evangelizing and converting others to Christianity. If anybody is converted to Christianity, such a person won't be accepted in the community. Though this sense of "purity" is a distorted one, and is against basic Christian mission, it is acknowledged by Rome by establishing a separate diocese (Kottayam) for the Knanaya Catholics. A Knanaya Catholic can marry a Knanaya Jacobite, but cannot marry another Catholic even one who belongs to the same rite! It seems, Knananites are more proud of being Jewish than being "Christian.










Knanaya Catholic Community






Introduction






Kerala is one of the twenty five states of India, situated at the southern most part of the peninsula. The Christian population of Kerala is 22% as against 2.5% of the Indian average. Among the innumerable Christian sects in Kerala, Catholics form the majority. There are three rites among the Kerala Catholics, namely the Roman rite, and the Oriental rites of Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara. The oriental rites are commonly called "St. Thomas Christians" as they are the descendants of those converted by St. Thomas, the Apostle when he preached in India from 52 AD. The followers of the Syro-Malabar rite form the majority of Catholics. The Syro-Malabar church of Kerala is very active, vibrant and growing, faithful to the doctrines of the universal church, very rich in vocations and very traditional in family values. Syro-Malabar church is growing to outside Kerala and India. There are 21 eparchies for this church, 12 in Kerala and 9 outside Kerala. The Syro-Malabar church was raised to an Archiepiscopal church in January 1993. It is the preparation to make it a patriarchal church in future.
In the Syro-Malabar church there is a small group called "Southists" in the church documents and "Knanaya Catholics". It is an ethnic group, and endogamous community which has its own distinct traditions, customs and culture. They are spread through out the world. This 200,000+ strong community is under the Bishop of Kottayam, who enjoys personal jurisdiction over all Knanaya Catholics. When interaction between nations and people grew stronger and development in science and technology helped it, and the goodness of the human heart boosted the idea that the world is one human family with diverse cultures, beliefs, and other traits, Knanaya Catholics found their way abroad to many countries. The United States of America is the most country of their emigration. As people who long preserved their unique traditions and customs, even now they are keen on preserving them for the next generation.






Origin and Growth of the Knanaya Community






The Knanaya people trace their origin back to the 72 Mesopotamian Christian families who immigrated to India and settled in Kerala in AD 345. Mesopotamia was part of the Babylonian empire. The immigrants were part of Jewish Christian community which took special care to preserve some of its Jewish-cultural traits. They were under the jurisdiction of the Catholicos of the East in Seleucia-Ctesiphon. This church also trace it's origin to the apostle St. Thomas in that it was established by the preaching of his disciple Mar Mari. The Catholicos of Seleucia-Ctesiphon came to know the sad plight of the Indian church through traders who had been trading with India. As directed by the Catholicos, a merchant called Thomas Kinayi (Kinan) organized an immigration of 72 families from seven tribes of Jewish Christians. They were accompanied by Bishop Mar Joseph of Uraha, (also called Uruck and it is the present Warka in Iraq) and four priests and a few deacons. On reaching the Kerala cost (at that time called Malabar Coast) Thomas Kinayi visited the ruling King Cheraman Perumal and obtained from him land and some highly esteemed privileges. (The deed can be found here). This community began to be called "Knananites" or "Southists" after their prominent leader Thomas Kinayi. The influx these immigrants with a Bishop and Clergy invigorated the existing Indian church, enabling it to prosper in India as a privileged community.
The Knanaya community remained as an endogamous community following Judeo-Christian traditions. In the course of centuries these traditions have been kept up from generation to generation. These traditions and privileges were recorded in the form of folk songs which were used with or without a dance form called "Margam Kali" (Dance of the way of Jesus) on religious and festive occasions. These folk songs, dance, endogamy, various customs at marriage, funeral, Passover and various occasions and a number of other things constitute the unique Knanaya culture. Though many of them are not connected with liturgical functions, all of them are religious in overtone. The first immigrants were Judeo-Christians who kept up many Jewish Traditions. Before embarking on ships at Uz the immigrants under the leadership of Thomas Kinayi visited the Catholicos to get his blessing and went to the tomb of Ezra of the Old Testament and prayed to get his blessing. Ezra was a champion of pure lineage and endogamy among Jews. This explains the strict practice of endogamy among the Knananites. When the Christian community of Uz gathered to see the immigrants off, while kissing and embracing each other painful of parting, enjoined them of strict adherence to ten commandments, seven sacraments, endogamy, harmony and devote life.
Through out the history of 16 turbulent centuries the Knananites tried to be faithful to their original spirit. Their presence, the privileges they had, the clergy they maintained, all help the shape up and flourishing of the original Christianity in India which was at the crossroads. As endogamous community its numerical growth was limited and remained as minority. The community began to face problems from the onslaught of others. Community surmounted all these situations. The Holy See at the beginning of this century, took note of the affliction of this community and their challenges and issued a Papel Decree to establish a diocese solely for them. That is the Kottayam diocese.







Further reading










For further reading please refer to the book The Babylonian origin of the Southists among the St.Thomas Christians; by Rev. Dr. Jacob Kollaparampil. He is accepted by Church Historians in India as one of the most reliable, and very well researched scholars. The preeminent Historian of Church History in India is Dr. Mathias Mundadan, and he quotes Fr. J. Kollaprampil often in his works.
PAPAL BULL IN ENGLISH ANDLATIN ESTABLISHING THE VICARIATE IN 1911
AND
DECREE ELEVATING AS ARCHDIOCESE

The Papal Bull
by Pope St. Pius X instituting the
Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam for the
Knanaya, Community.

IN ENGLISH AND LATIN



The Papal Bull by St Pius X instituting the Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam
for the Knanaya Community.


Pius PP. X

Ad futuram rei memoriam. In Universi Christiani gregis regendi munere Nobis divinitus commisso Nostrum praesertim esse ducimus eos Ecclesiis fines terminare qui cum praesidum optatis, tum fidelium bono apprime respondeant. Hac mente ad ducti quo gentis Syro-Malabaricae fidei ac pietati melius consultum sit novum Vicariatum Apostolicum in illorum regione constituere decrevimus. In hac enim natione rec. me. Leo PP. XIII Dec. Noster suis hisce similibus litteris die duodetricesimo Julii anno MDCCCXCVI datis, tres Apostolicos Vicariatus id est Trichurensem, Ernakulamensem et Changanachernsem condidit, eisque tres antistites ex ipso Syro-Malabarico populo delectos praeficiendos censuit et curavit. Nunc vero cum tres Vicarii Apostolici eorumdem, quos supra memoravimus, Vicariatuum, initis inter se consiliis per epistolam diei primi Martii huius vertentis anni a Nobis enixe petierint, ut ad spirituali illarum regionum commoditati satius prospiciendum et ad dissidentium animos consiliandos novus Apostolicus Vicariatus in urbe vulgo "Kottayam" nuncupata erigeretur. Nos ominibus rei momentis cum VV. FFr. NN. S.R.E. Cardinalibus S. Congregationis Christiano nomini propagando pro negotiis ritus orientalis mature ac sedulo perspectis, huiusmodi preces benigne excipere, atque illi preafatae nationi benevolentiae Nostrae pignus exhibere statuimus. Quare motu proprio, ex certa scientia ac de potestatis Nostrae plenitudine a duplici Vicariatu Apostolico Ernakulamensi et Changanacherensi omnes paroecias et Ecclesias- Suddisicas dismembramus easque in novum Vicariatum Apostolicum in urbe vulgo "Kottayam" pro gente Suddistica constituimus. Quis idcirco complectatur omnes Ecclesias et Sacella pertinentia ad Deccanatum Kottayamensem et Kaduthuruthensem in Vicariatu Apostolico Chenganacherensi una cum Ecclesiis Suddisticis Apostolici Vicariatus Ernakulamensis. Haec volumus ac precipimus, decermentes praesentes litteras firmas, validas, efficaces semper existere et fore suosque plenarios et integros effectus sortiri et obtinere, illisque ad quos spectat et in posterum spectabit in omnibus et per omnia plenissime suffragari, sicque in praemissis esse iudicandum, atque irritum esse et inane si secus super his a quoquam quavis auctoritate scienter vel ignoranter contigerit attentari. Non obstantibus Nostrae Cancellariae Apostolicae regula de iure quaesito non tolenda aliisque Constitutionibus Apostolicis in contrarium facientibus quibuscumque. Datum Rmae apud S. Petrum sub anulo Piscatoris die XXIX Augusti MCMXI Pontificatus Nostri Anno Nono.

PIUS.X.
PONT.MAX(Seal)


Sd/-

RaffaeleCard.MerrydeVala

Secretis Status

THE PAPAL BULL BY POPE ST. PIUS X INSTITUTING TIIE APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF KOTTAYAM FOR THE SOUTHISTS PEOPLE.


PIUS PP. X

For the future record of the fact. In the office divinely entrusted to Us for governing the Universal Christian flock we consider it especially ours to determine for the churches such boundaries which correspond to the good of the faithul and to the desires of those who preside over them. For this reason in order to provide better for the faith and piety of the Syro-Malabar people we have decreed to constitute a new Apostolic Vicariate in their region.
For this people our predecessor of happy memory Pope Leo XIII by a letter similar to this dated July 28, 1896, established three Apostolic Vicariates, namely of Trichur, Ernakulam and Changanacherry and thought it fit to appoint over them three prelates selected from among them.
Now, however, since the three Vicars Apostolic of the same above mentioned Vicariates, after mutual consultation have insistently petitioned us by a letter, dated March 1 of this year, that a new Apostolic Vicariate may be erected in the town commonly called Kottayam in order to satisfactorily cater to the spiritual needs of those regions and to reconcile the minds of the dissidents, we having maturely and diligently considered all the important facts of the matter with our venerable brethren the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church in the Sacred Congregation of propagating the Christian Name for the Affairs of the Oriental Rite, decided to kindly accept such request and show proof of our benevolence to the aforesaid nation.
Therefore, by motu proprio, with sure knowledge and fullness of our power we separate all the Southist parishes and churches from the two Apostolic Vicariates of Ernakulam and Changanacherry and constitute them into a new Apostolic Vicariate in the town commonly known as “Kottayam” for the Southist people. On that account it shall include all the churches and chapels pertaining to the Kottayarn and Kaduthuruthy foranes in the Apostolic Vicariate of Changanacherry and also the Southist churches of the Apostolic Vicariate of Ernakulam.
We want and command these things, decreeing that this letter shall always exist firm, valid and efficacious, and shall gain and obtain full and integral effect and shall most fully favour in all things and every way those whom it pertains and shall pertain in the future, and thus it must be judged invalid and void if it happens to be tampered with by any one of whatever authority knowingly or unknowingly.
Not withstanding our apostolic chancery’s rule of not removing the acquired right, and whatever other Apostolic constitutions to the contrary,
Given at Rome before St. Peter under the fisherman’s ring on the 29th day of August 1911, in thekninthhyearlofkouropontificate.


PIUS X
THE SUPREME.PONTIFF,

(Seal)


Sd/-

R.Card.MerrydelVal

Secretary of State.


Decree of elevating the Eparchy of Kottayam to the Metropolitan See






Prot. No. 264 / 2005

Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, sends his fraternal greetings to Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry and Mar Mathew Moolakatt, brother bishops in the episcopate and to the people of God of the Eparchy of Kottayam.
The Eparchy of Kottayam, having been erected by H.H. Pope St.Pius X, of holy memory through the Papal Bull in Universi Christiani, on 29 August 1911, for the Knanaya community, has achieved commendable growth under the leadership of its Vicars Apostolic and Eparchial Bishops Mar Mathew Makil, Mar Alexander Choolaparambil, Mar Thomas Tharayil and the present Eparchial Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry which was strengthened also by the appointment of an Auxiliary and later Co-adjutor Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakatt. The request for raising the See of Kottayam to the Metropolitan status was made by the present Eparchial Bishop of Kottayam to the Apostolic See through the erstwhile Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Conference and later through the Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Synod. After the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church was granted the exercise of all its faculties, the request was renewed and the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church in its session held from 1 to 13 November 2004 gave its consent and the Holy See gave its no-objection with the explicit understanding that the Metropolitan See of Kottayam is to remain without a suffragan eparchy.
Therefore, in virtue of CCEO c. 85 and by the authority vested in him as the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church to provide the people of God entrusted to his care with pastors and efficient systems of governance, and guided by the consideration of the good of the faithful of the Eparchy of Kottayam and of the entire Syro-Malabar Church, the undersigned Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, hereby elevates the Eparchy of Kottayam to the rank of a Metropolitan See without a suffragan eparchy. By a separate decree, Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, the present Eparchial Bishop of Kottayam has been appointed as the first Metropolitan of the newly erected Metropolitan See of Kottayam.
All contrary dispositions notwithstanding
Given at Kakkanad, from the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, on the 9th day of the month of May of the year 2005.







PITHAKKANMAR



St. Thomas




Kinayi Thoma












Bishop Urha Mar Joseph



Spiritual Leader of Knanaya Migration and the head of Church in India in 345 A.D.






CharlesbLavigne(1840-1913)
He appointed Fr. Mathew Makil as Vicar General for Knanaya Catholics before the establishment of Diocese exlusively for Knanaya Catholics




Charles Lavigne S.J., was born on 6.11.1840 at Sarlette in France. He was ordained for the titular see of Milevia and was appointed to the Apostolic Vicariate of Kottayam in 1887. He was transferred to the Diocese of Trincomalee in the year1896 and he died on July 11, 1913 inFrance.


Mar Mathew Makil(1851-1914)
Vicar Apostolate of Changanacherry and later the first Vicar Apostolate of Kottayam Vicariate for Knanaya Catholics. He laid foundation for the Eparchy of Kottayam.Mar Mathew Makil was born on 10.4.1851 at Manjoor in Kottayam District. He was appointed Vicar General for the Southists in the Vicariate of Kottayam in 1889. When the Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam and Trichur were re-organized into Trichur, Ernakulam and Changanassery in 1896, he was nominated Titular Bishop of Trallus and appointed Vicar Apostolic of Changanassery. In 1911, a new Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was constituted exclusively for the Knanaya Catholics and Mar Mathew Makil was transferred to Kottayam as Vicar Apostolic. He died at Kottayam on 26-1-1914





Mar Alexander Chulaparambil(1877-1951)




Mar Alexander Chulaparambil was born on 14-10-1877 at Kumarakom in Kottayam District. He was ordained priest on December 22, 1906. He was nominated titular bishop of Bussaries and appointed Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam on the 16th of July, 1914 by His Holiness Pope St Pius X. When the Syro Malabar hierarchy was constituted on December 21, 1923 he became the Bishop of Kottayam. He died on January 8, 1951




Mar Thomas Tharayil(1899-1975)



Mar Thomas Tharayil was born on May 5, 1899 at Palathuruth in Kottayam District and was ordained priest on the 18th of December 1926. He was nominated Bishop of Azota and appointed Co-Adjutor Bishop of Kottayam on June 9, 1945 by His Holiness Pope Pius XII. At the demise of Mar Alexander Chulaparambil he became the Bishop of Kottayam on the 8th of January, 1951. He was an educationist. During his episcopacy two colleges - B.C.M. Kottayam, St. Stephens Uzhavoor - were established. He retired from the office on May 5, 1974 and died on July 26,19


Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry

Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry was born on the 11th of September,1928 at Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam District. He was ordained priest on the 21st of December,1955 in Rome. He received doctorate in Civil and Canon Laws from the University of Lateran in Rome and Master’s degree in Politics from USA. He was nominated bishop of Kepha and appointed Co-Adjutor Bishop of Kottayam on 9th December 1967. On February 24,1968 he received Episcopal Ordination at Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam from His Eminence Cardinal Maximillian de Furstenberg, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. At the retirement of Mar Thomas Tharayil, he took charge of the Diocese of Kottayam on the 5th of May,1974. In addition to Malayalam and English he knows Italian, Latin, French, German and Syriac. He has served the regional, national and Universal Church in various capacities. He was a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Codification of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and a member of the Pontifical Council for Inter- religious Dialogue. He served as the Chairman of the Ecumenical and Inter-religious Dialogue Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India several times.
He was the Chairman of the St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye and is now the Chairman of the St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor and Vice Chancellor of the Paurastiya Vidya-pitham, Vadavathoor. He has held offices in the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council and the Syro-Malabar Bishops' Conference. He was a member of permanent synod of the Syro-Malabar Archiepiscopal Church and member of commission for Ecumenism and particular law.
By the decree “God our loving father” dated May 9, 2005, the Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil appointed Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the first metropolitan of the newly erected metropolitan see of Kottayam. On June 3, 2005 Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil ordained and enthroned Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the Metropolitan of Kottayam at a liturgical service in Christ the King Cathedral,Kottayam.


Mar MMathew Moolakkatt,O.S.B.


He was born on February 27,1953 at Uzhavoor in Kottayam District. He was ordained priest on the 27th December, 1978. He has B.Sc., B. Ed., M.A. in Sociology and doctorate in Canon Law. In 1994 he joined the Vallombrosan Benedictine Monastery and made the Final Profession on December 5, 1998. On December 28, 1998 he was nominated Bishop of Holler and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam. He received the Episcopal Ordination on 6th January, 1999 from His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Later on August 15, 2003 H. H. Pope John Paul II appointed Mar Mathew Moolakatt as Co-adjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Kottayam. He is now serving as the member of CBCI Commission for Justice Peace and Development. He is the member of the K.C.B.C Commission for Youth. Presently he is a member of permanent synod of the Syro-Malabar church and also a member of the liturgical commission. He is also a synodal commission member of St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor and Good Shephered Major Seminary, Kunnoth.






MAR JOSE PANDARASSERIL
Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam
PRELATEM FROM THE MARCHEPARCHY


MostRev.Dr.AbrahamViruthakulangaraArchbishop of Nagpur
Archbishop’s HouseMohan Nagar, Nagpur-440 001
Tel: 0712-2533239; 2560780 (P)Fax: 0712 - 2527906,

Mob. 09890154188

E-mail: abpabrah_nag@sancharnet.in archdnag@sancharnet.in
Born at Kallara on : 05-06-1943

Ordained Priest on : 28-10-1969

Consecrated as Bishop of Khandwa : 13-07-1977

Transferred as Archbishop of Nagpur : 19-02-1998
The Seventy-Two Privileges Given To Knananites By The King Cheraman Perumal


ARappura (Treasury)
Ambari(howdah on an elephant)
AnkaNam (courtyard)
Antholam (palanquin)
Ammoolam (a kink of tax)
Arp~ (cheers)
Alavattam (peocock feather fan)
Anasavari (elephant riding)
Uchipoovu (head turban)
Kacha (robes)
Kachappuram (overcoat)
Kankanam (bangles)
KalthaLa (anklets)
Kaalchilamp~ (anklets)
Kuravai (cheers)
Kuthira savaari (horse riding)
Kuzhal viLi (bugles)
Kodi (falg)
Kaikara (hand ornament)
KaithalLa (bangles)
Chelli (a kind of tax)
Chenkomb~ (another tax)
ChenDa (drum)
Thanberu (big drum)
ThazhakuDa (royal umbrella)
NervaaL (sword)
PaTTu chaTTa (silk coat)
PaTTurumal (silken tassal)
PaTTu munD~(silk dothi)
Pakal viLakk~ (day lamp)
PaDippura (out-house)
Pathakkam (necklace)
PanippuDava (embroidered robes)
Paravathani (carpet)
PavaDa (royal clothing)
Pallakk~ (palanquin)
Panchavadyam (orchestra)
Pandal vithanam (pandal decoration)
Pathinezhu parishamel kathruthwam (control over 17 lower casts)
MadhaLam (drum)
MaNarkolam (platform)
MuDi (crown)
MuDikeezhabharanam (head ornaments)
Mammolam (tax)
MethiyaDi (wooden chappels)
Rajavaadhyam (royal orchestra)
Rajasamaksham Irippu (sit before the King)
Rajabhogam (tax)
Veena (string instrument)
Thee veTTi (fire torch)
Thookumancham (swinging coat)
Thongal (decoration)
Thoranam (decoration)
TholvaLa (armpit bangle)
Theendalakattal (untouchability)
Nada viLi (cheers)
Nayattubhogam (privilage for hunting)
Naikudiparisha
NeDiya KuDa (royal umbrella)
Nettur peTTi (cloth box)
NettikeTTu (turban)
Veeravadhyam (heroic bugles)
Veeramadhalam
Veera srimkala (royal chain)
Viri pandal (honour to erect pandal)
Venchamaram (beautified deer-haired tassal)
Sankh~ (conch)
Edam piri sankh~(conch with left screw)
Valam piri sankh~(conch with right screw)
Bhoomi karamozhiv~ (land-tax evasion)
Nayatt~ (hunting)
Pala-marangaL (forest trees)
Various Customs and Traditions of Knanaya Catholics

Marriage
ADachu ThuRa - Shutting and opening of the bride's chamber at the end of the marriage festivities at home.
Antham Charthal (Chantham Charthal) - Purification or beautification of the bridegroom by shaving face and bathing with oils, etc on the eve of marriage.
"Beru Mariam" Song - A prayer in praise of Jesus as Son of Mary, sung by the priests and the laymen at the end of the marriage ceremony in the church.
Kacha Thazhukal - A ceremony using a new piece of cloth given to bride's relatives as a gift by the groom's party (Usually to bride's mother, grandmother, and maternal uncle/aunt).
Icha-Pad~ Kodukkal - Ceremony of giving sweet pudding to the bride and groom in their home after the beautification ceremony.
Illa-PaNam - A small amount of money is given to the bride's party by the groom's people as offering to the churches.
Kaipidutham - Betrothal Ceremony by blessing the hands of the uncles of bride and bridegroom by the priest
Koluvilakku - Lighted oil-lamp placed near the bride and bridegroom for Mylanchi Ideel and Antham Charthal. This lamp is also used to welcome the couple after the wedding. This lamp signifies the presence of Christ, the light of the world.
My-lanchi Ideel - Beautification of the palms and feet of bride by the leaves from "Mylanchi" shrub on the eve of marriage. This signifies the purification of hands and feet from the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.
NaDa Vili - Cheers (NaDa NaDaaye..., NaDa NaDa NaDa) given to the bride and bridegrrom while going home from the church after the marriage (It also serves to alert the wedding receptionists to complete their final touches).
Nellum Neerum - Sign of cross done using the blessed palm leaves (from Palm Sunday) wetted in the patty (rice) water, on the forehead of the bride and groom wishing them God's blessing and happiness.
Vazhu Pidutham - The rite of giving God's blessing to bride and groom by the mother of bride by placing her hands in the form of a cross on their heads.
VeN~ PaachoR - A special sweet rice porridge ceremoniously given to the new couples after marriage.

Funeral

Drinking from the Blessed Coconut - To show that the sons and the daughters of the dead should live in fraternal communion.
Folding the Plantain Leaf for Meals - This reminds that King Cheraman Perumal honored Thomas Kinai and party by giving them two plantain leaves for royal dinner.
Thazhukal - Embracing relatives of the dead person in the church after the funeral, to express the condolence.
Other
Maargam Kali and Patt~ - Religious dance (ballad) performed in connection with joyful relegious and social functions. The songs contain accounts of the appostolic work by ST. Thomas and the voyage and migration of Thomas Kinai and his group.
Puraathana PaaTTukaL (Ancient Songs) - Traditional songs sung by the participants and relatives during marriage ceremonies and festivities.


Do you live outside the boundary of the Diocese of Kottayam? If so, you may now enter and view the details of your family and of others you know. This directory of Knanaya Diaspora would help to know each other better. Please go to the following link to sign in and enter or view the data.
DIRECTORY OF KNANAYA DIASPORA

WHAT IS KNANAITES IN DIASPORA?

Diaspora is a term used by Jews to refer to Jewish communities outside Israel. In the diocese of Kottayam, Knanaya Diaspora means those Knanaya Catholics who live outside the boundary of the diocese. Besides those who belong to the Diocese of Kottayam, all Knanaya Catholics living all over the world consider the Bishop of Kottayam as the supreme head of their community. That contributes to the unity of the community. The Knanaites in Diaspora keep in touch with their community in Kerala and support all good causes of the community.

ORIGINAL MEANING OF DIASPORA


All Jewish communities outside Israel. Diaspora (Greek: "dispersion") also carries historical and religious connotations, since Jews have a special relationship to Israel. Most Orthodox Jews hope for the return of Jews to Israel. Reform Judaism holds that dispersal of the Jews was intended by God to foster monotheism; however, support for a national Jewish state was notably greater after the Holocaust. The first Diaspora was the Babylonian Exile of 586 BC. The largest Diaspora flourished in Alexandria, where, in the 1st cent. BC, Jews represented 40% of the population. Diaspora Jews far outnumbered Jews in Palestine even before Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70. Today, of the estimated 14 million Jews worldwide, some 4 million live in Israel, 4.5 million in the U.S., and 2.2 million in Russia and other republics of the former Soviet Union.
PARISHES AND MISSION STATIONS OF THE DIOCESE OF KOTTAYAM
CHRIST THE KING CATHEDRAL(1914)

K.K. Road, Kottayam-686 001
Tel: 0481- 2304774 / 2563527

FORANES

EDACAT FORANE
Parishes:
CathedralCaritas
Charamangalam
East Nattassery
Edaca
Kannamkara
Kumarakom
Malloossery
Neericad
Olessa
Pachira
Peroor
S.H.Mount
Samkranthy
Vakathanam
Veliyanad
KADUTHURUTHY FORANE
Parishes: Stations:
Arunoottimangalam
Memmury
Eravimangalam
Neezhoor
Kakkanad
Kaduthuruthy
Piravom
Keezhoor
Kallara New
Poozhikol
Parassery
Karipadam
Ramamangalam
Pazhuthuruth
Kothanalloor
Kuruppumthara
Thottara
Mankidapally
Velloor
UZHAVOOR FORANE
Parishes: Stations:
Amanakara
Pius Mount
Areekkara
Puthuvely
Chettukulam
Edakoly
Uzhavoor
Monippally
Veliyannoor
KAIPUZHA FORANE
Parishes: Stations:
Chamakala
Kurumulloor
Ettumanoor
Makudalayam
Mannanam
Kaipuzha
Neendoor
Vechoor
Kallara Old
Palathuruth
CHUNKOM FORANE
Parishes:
Chunkom
Muttom
Mrala
Varapetty
Karimkunnam
Parambanchery
Marika
Vadakkummury
Manakkad
KIDANGOOR FORANE
Parishes:
Cherpunkal
Cherukara
Kattachira
Kidangoor
Koodalloor
Mannoor
Maridom
Punnathura
PADAMUGHOM FORANE
Parishes:
Bisonvalley
Chakkupallam
Kattappana
N.R.City
Padamugham
Poothaly
Senapathy
Thadiyampad
Thellithode

RAJAPURAM FORANE
Parishes: Stations:
Airode
Nelliyady
Chullikkara
Odayamchal
Ajakar
Kadaba
Pookkayam
Ayyamkavu
Kallar
Rajapuram
Karivedakom
Kottody
Ranipuram
Palamkallu
Malakkallu
Malom
MADAMPAM FORANE
Parishes: Stations:
Alex Nagar
Michaelgiri
Arayangad
Panniyal
Channanakampara
Chamathachal
Payyavoor
Kaniyarvayal
Kanamvayal
Payyavoor Town
Kozhikode
Kannur
Peringala
Mankuzhy
Kottoorvayal
Pothukuzhy
Madampam
Thiroor
Manjakad
Nuchiyad
PERIKKALLOOR FORANE
Parishes:Stations:
Echome
Pulinjal
Kappiset
Puthussery
Christ Nagar
Perikkalloor
Thettamala
Kottathara
Pius Nagar
PALAKAD MEKHALA
Parishes:Stations:
Changalery
Mangalagiri
Chulliyode
Rajagiri (Attapady)
Munderi
Kanthalam
Amarambalam
Jellipara
MALANKARA FORANE
Parishes:Stations:
Chengalam
Ranni
Chingavanam
Ramamagalam
Aythala
Kallissery
Thengely
Kattode
Thuruthikad
Kuttoor
Thiruvanvandoo
Punaloor
Trivandrum
Eraviperoor
Othara
Vithura
PHONE NO OF CHURCHES

Airode
06727-224322
Alex Nagar
0460-2265262
Amanakara
0482-2244573
Arayangad
0490-2302401
Areekkara
0482-2240615
Arunootimangalam
04829-252176
Attappady
04924-253348
Bangalore Swargarani
080-28601826
Bisonvalley
04865-285281
Catherdal Parish
0481-2304774
Chakkupallam
04868-282316
Chamakala
04829-242352
Chamathachal
0460-2210126
Changaleri
0467-2224520
Charamangalam
0478-2862162
Chengalam
0481-2524567
Cherpunkal
0482-2255444
Cherukara
0482-2214936
Chettukulam
0482-2240302
Chingavanam
0481-2430679
Chullikkara
0467-2224222
Chulliyode
04931-260406
Chunkom
0486-2222783
East Nattassery
0481-2572612
Eachome
04936-286765
Edacat
0481-2567894
Edakoly
0482-2240751
Eravimangalam
04829-242914
Eraviperoor
0469-2680257
Ettumanoor
0481-2536582
Kadaba
08251-260140
Kaduthuruthy
04829-282259
Kaipuzha
0481-2711077
Kallar
0467-2226755
Kallara New
04829-267822
Kallara Old
04829-267377
Kallissery
0479-2426956
Kanamvayal
04985-238237
Kaniyarvayal
04602-230452
Kannamkara
0478-2582231
Kannur, Sreepuram
0497-2701333
Kappiset
04936-240782
Karimkunnam
04862-242335
Karippadom
04829-238060
Kattachira
0481-2538197
Kattappana
04868-272310
Kattode
0469-2601413
Kidangoor
0482-2254144
Koodalloor
0482-2254219
Kottody
0467-2225577
Kottoorvayal
0460-2230365
Kumarakom
0481-2524295
Kurumulloor
0481-2731840
Kuruppanthara
04829-242437
Kuttoor
0469-2614012
Madampam
04602-265371, 265750
Mannoor (Mattakkara)
0481-2542630
Maridom
0482-2255426
Marika
04862-273037
Memury
04829-242330
Michaelgiri
04602-288360
Monippally
04822-242336
Mrala
04862-222092
Muttom
04862-255252
N.R.City
04868-242306
Neendoor
0481-2712325
Neericad
0481-2543495
Neezhoor
04829-263643
Nelliyady
08251-254378
Nuchiyad
0460-2210126 (Cont.)
Odayanchal
0467-2246229
Olessa
0481-2517175
Othara
0469-2614012 (Cont.)
Pachira
0481-2330503
Padamughom
04868-263025
Palathuruth
0481-2598989
Panniyal
0460-2230987
Parambancherry
0485-2562007
Payyavoor
0460-2210145
Payyavoor Town
0460-2210224
Perikkalloor
04936-234264
Peringala
0460-2285550
Peroor
0481-2791144
Piravom
0485-2242419
Pius Mount
0482-2240202
Pius Nagar
04936-240947
Pookkayam
0467-2224157
Poothaly
04868-262233
Poozhikol
04829-283900
Pothukuzhy (Kolbenagar)
0490-2302779
Pulinjal
04935-230020
Punnathura
0481-2542489
Puthussery
04935-235056
Puthuvely
0482-2245183
Rajapuram
0467-2224022
Ramamangalam St.Mary’s
0485-2277968
Ramamangalam St.Thomas
0485-2246715
Ranipuram
0467-2227342
Ranni
04735-226808
S.H. Mount
0481-2312391
Sankranthi
0481-2597194
Thadiyampadu
04862-235449
Thellithode
04868-262366
Thengely
0469-2614921
Thettamala
04935-230401
Thiroor
04602-278083
Thiruvamvandoor
0479-2428787
Thottara
0484-2746124
Thuruthikad
0469-2680257
Trivandrum
0471-2306011
Uzhavoor
0482-2240107
Vadakkummury
0486-2242431
Vakathanam
0481-2463421
Varappetty
0485-2282457
Vechoor
04829-276569
Veliyanad
0477-2753212
Veliyannoor
0482-2244525
Velloor
04829-257162
PHONE NUMBER OF PARISH PREISTS

Fr. Adopally Jose
9447457250
Fr. Adopally Thomas
001-914-318-1012
Fr. Akkaparambil Alex
9447726015
Fr. Alparayil Manoj
9447909472
Fr. Animmoottil Philip
9447315312
Fr. Annimmoottil Thomas
001-914-409 3698
Fr. .Appozhiparambil Philip
9447808006
Fr. Champakara Pathrose
9447869041
Fr. Chennakuzhy John
0039-33927369
Fr. Cheruvil James
9447506085
Fr. Chethalil John
9847701061
Fr. Chethalil John
9847701061
Fr. Chirapurath Jose
9447418105
Fr. Edathiparambil Thomas
9447602427
Fr. Ettieppilly Mathew
9447808400
Fr. Illikunnupurathu Jose
9447822017
Fr. Kachanolikal Joby
9447807568
Fr. Kaitharam Lallu
9447319246
Fr. Kalarical Abraham
001-914-309-5822
Fr. Kaniyarkunnel John
9447118078
Fr. Kappukala George
9447548060
Fr. Karimpil Luke
9448545658
Fr. Kattel Reny
9447661396
Fr. Kattiyankal Joy
9447889473
Fr. Kavil Jinu
9447317153
Fr. Keezhagattu Joseph
9447331063
Fr. Kochuparambil Saji
0039-3334191190
Fr. Kochuparambil Boby
9447732646
Fr. Kochuputhenpurakal Thomas
41795392717
Fr. Kollaparambil Jacob
9847001022
Fr. Kottoor Thomas
9447279894
Fr. Koratty Alex
9447916723
Fr. Kunnassery Joy
9895874150
Fr. Kurisummoottil George
9447319892
Fr. Kurisummoottil Thomas
9447379331
Fr. Kurupumthara Jose
9447806656
Fr. Kuruttuparambil Winson
9447236491
Fr. Malithuruthel Jacob
9447808443
Fr. Manakattu Mathew
9447075458
Fr. Meledath Mathew
9447747083
Fr. Mudakkodil Siju
9447824501
Fr. Mukalel Kuriakose
9447868873
Fr. Mulakumattathil Prince
003-329-80 60 764
Fr. Mulloor Jacob
9447961474
Fr. Mutholathu Abraham
001-773-412 6254
Fr. Nedumthuruthil Michael
9447758775
Fr. Naramagalathu Binoy
9447855530
Fr. Ozhungalil George
9447807192
Fr. Pannoorayil Boby
9447041914
Fr. Parambett Abraham
9847180705
Fr. Pattumakil John
9847560708
Fr. Pandarasseril Jose
9447598242
Fr. Paranickal Alex
9447359395
Fr. Pazhumalil Michael
9447603023
Fr. Perumanoor Sunil
9847933784
Fr. Pinarkayil Saji
9447347573
Fr. Polakal Mathew
9447475825
Fr. Ponganayil James
9447287573
Fr. Poothra Shaji
9447135420
Fr. Poothrukayil Luke
9447356669
Fr. Pralel Thomas
9447280387
Fr. Pullattu Simon
9447289184
Fr. Puthiakunnel Thomas
9447306650
Fr. Puthuparambil George
9447507304
Fr. Ramachanattu Philip
9447276038
Fr. Thakkunilkunnthil Jose
9447409789
Fr. Tharackal Jose
9447179002
Fr. Tharayil Thomas
9447287561
Fr. Tharayil Biby
9447867550
Fr. Tharayil Biju
9447300024
Fr. Tharvalakattel Tomy
9447464111
Fr. Thanadasseril Mathew
9447826099
Fr. Thazhathottam Kuriakose
9447150753
Fr. Vadakkekara Aby
9447464256
Fr. Vadakkethotty Thomas
9447323084
Fr. Valavunkal Cherian
9447682791
Fr. Vattampuram Boban
9447548066
Fr. Vellian Jacob
9448429223
Fr. Vetticat Michael
9447365180
Fr. Vettuvelil Stephen
9891509335
COLLEGES

B. C. M. College, Kottayam
0481 - 2562171, 2560307 (P)
B. Ed. College, Madampam
0460-2 230929
College of Pharmacy , Caritas
0481- 2790738
Pius Xth College, Rajapuram
0467-2224377, 225235
St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor
0482-2 240127, 240709

SCHOOLS
Areekara
0482-2249435
Chingavanam H.S
0481- 2430446
Chunkom
04862 - 222411
Kadaba E.M. H.S.
08251-260130
Kaduthuruty Higher S. School
04829-282547
Kaipuzha H.S
0481-2711103
Kallara H.S
04829-267269
Kannamkara H.S.
0478-2582512
Kannur Sreepuram H.S.
0497-2711233
Kannur Sreepuram Nursery
0497-2709933
Karimkunnam H.S.S.
04862-242216
Kidangoor H.S.
04822-254140
Kottayam St. Anne’s G.H.S.
0481-2562250
Kottody H.S.
0467-2226877
Kozhikode
0495-2358938
Madampam H.S.
0498-2265372
Malakallu UP
0467-2225157
Malakallu Nursary
0467-2226428
Monippally H.S.
0467-242440
Mrala U.P.S.
0486-2227628
Nattasery St.Marcelinas G.H.S.
0481-2312013
Padamugham U.P.S.
04868-263055
CONVENTS
Alex Nagar (Mercy Bhavan)
0460-2265912
Amanakara SVM
0482-2244980
Areekara SJC
0482-2240947
Arunoottimangalam SJC
04829-252201
Attappady SJC
04924-253258
Bangalore (Fusco)
080-26689741
Bangalore Caritas Sisters
080-26680920
Bangalore S.V.M (Gurukulam)
080-26685521
Bangalore SJC
080-25536608
Bangalore Swargarani S.V.M
080-28601826
Bangkok S.V.M
0066-23145631
Bisonvalley SVM
04865-285283
Caritas BTM- Old age home
0481-2790570
Caritas Anugraha SJC
0481-2790261
Caritas Novitiate House SJC
0481-2792070
Caritas Fusco Sadan Convent
0481-2790025 (Cont.)
Caritas Maria Bhavan
0481-2790425
Caritas Nursing School
0481-2790539
Caritas Old Age Home for S.J.C
0481-2790561
Caritas Pharmacy Hostel
0481-2790273
Caritas S.V.M Convent
0481-2790782
Caritas Secular Institute
0481-2790902/2790374
Caritas SJC Convent
0481-2790324
Chamakala S.V.M
04829-244292
Chamathachal S.V.M
0460-2210870
Charamangalam (Fusco)
0478-2864822
Cherpunkal S.V.M
0482-2255878
Cherukara S.J.C
0482-2215705
Chettukulam DCPB
0482-2240771
Chingavanam SVM
0481-2433420
Chullikkara S.J.C
0467-2226886
Chulliyode S.J.C
04931-260405
Chunkom (Kolani) S.V.M
0486-2227830
Delhi Nirmal Jyothi Vasanthkunj
011- 26896965
Delhi, Jyothi Bhavan, G. Garden
011- 22578363
East Nattassery S.V.M
0481-2575939
Eachome S.J.C
04936-286291
Edacat S.V.M
0481-2585170
Edakoly S.J.C
0482-2240832
Eravimangalam S.J.C
04829-242645
Ernakulam S.J.C
0484-2395661
Ernakulam SVM Hostel
0484-2422420
Ettumannoor Josgiri S.J.C
0481-2535834
Ettumannoor SJC
0481-2537685
Ettumanoor San Jos Vidyalaya
0481-2535894
Gandhinagar SVM Hostel
0481-2595701
Gandhinagar SJC
0481-2598490
Gandhinagar SVM
0481-2598493
Germany Deggendorf S.J.C
0049-991-31654 / 342514 (F)
Germany Munich SJC
0049 - 89-5380204
Germany Deggendorf (Caritas)
0049 - 991-2903760
Germany SVM Munich
0049 - 89537010, 8551476410 (F)
Gujarat Lodhika SJC
02827-244338
Italy Fosdinova SVM
0039-0187-68813
Italy Massa SVM
0039-0585-41232
Italy Villa Mayer LDSJG
0039-586-579225
Kadaba LDSJG
08251-260767
Kaduthuruthy Besthlaye SJC
04829-282528
Kaduthuruthy SJC
04829-282999
Kaipuzha Asylum SJC
0481-2711191
Kaipuzha Santhos
0481-2711194
Kaipuzha SJC
0481-2111346
Kaipuzha SVM
0481-2711091
Kallar SVM Hostel
0467-2226818
Kallara Bavoosa SJC
04829-267583
Kallara Old SVM
04829-243718
Kallissery SVM
0479-2426201
Kanamvayal SVM
04985-238303
Kanjangadu caritas Hostel
0467- 209174
Kannamkara SVM
0478-2582582
Kannur Besania Hostel SVM
0497-2703830
Kannur Caritas Hostel
0497-2746539
Kannur Edesa SJC
0497-2703361
Kannur Pratheeksha bhavan SJC
0497-2746833
Kannur Reg. House SVM
0497-2704830
Kannur Stella maria
0497-2748877
Kannur SVM Boarding
0497-2707730
Kappiset SJC
04936-240918
Karimkunnam SVM
04862-242029
Karippadam SJC
04829-238784
Kattachira SVM
0481-2538275
Keezhoor DCPB Fusco
04829-251220 / 251400
Khandwa SVM (Anandh Nagar)
0733-2248822 / 2249300
Khandwa, Bhagavanpura
0733-2281418
Kidangoor Little Lourdes Hospital
0482-2256169 / 255845/ 254156
Kidangoor SVM
0482-2255199
Kidangoor Adminstrator
0482-2255368
Kidangoor Sayujya SVM
0482-2254305
Kidangoor SJC
0482-2254059
Koodalloor SVM
0482-2254801
Kothanalloor LDSJG
04829-242324
Kottayam BCM Hostel
0481-2563083/2300726
Kottayam Pius X Hostel (SJC)
0481-2564582 / 2566099
Kottayam Pius X Study House
0481-2566120
Kottayam St.Anne’s SVM
0481-2563459
Kottayam SVM Study House
0481-2565760
Jeeva Counciling Centre KTM
0481-2301803
Kottody SVM
0467-2224424
Kottoorvayal S.J.C
0460-22230036
Kozhikode S.J.C
0495-2358905
Kozhikode S.V.M Hostel
0495-2357066
Kumarakom S.V.M
0481-2524095
Kurumulloor Balikabhavan
0481-2731492
Kurumulloor S.J.C
0481-2731891
Kuruppumthara S.V.M
04829-243718
Kuttoor S.V.M
0469-2615787
Madampam SVM Hostel
0460-2230348
Madampam SVM
0460-2265075
Madhanaha Institute Thellakom
0481-2790685
Malakkallu S.V.M
0467-2226790
Malloossery S.V.M
0481-2391470
Mananthavady SJC
04935- 242843
Mangalagir S.J.C
0492-2262215
Mankidapally S.V.M
0484-2749563
Mannamala Caritas
0481-2790125
Marika S.V.M
0486-2273905
Mattakkara S.V.M
0481-2544733
Memury LDSJG
04829-242613
Monipally SJC
0482-2242604
Mrala SVM
04862-227510
N.R. City SVM
04868-242699
Neendoor SJC
0481-2712090
Neericad SJC
0481-2544169
Neezhoor SJC
04829-263117
Odayanchal SJC
0467-2246570
Olassa SVM
0481-2517667
Pachira SVM
0481-2330671
Padamugham SJC
04868-263012
Palathuruthu SVM
0481-2598214
Parambancherry SVM
0485-2563276
Payyavoor Pius Home
0460-2210163
Payyavoor SVM
0460-2210699
Payyavoor Town SVM
0460-2211550
Payyavoor Uraha Bhavan
0460-2210093
Pazhuthuruth SJC
04829-264348
Peermade Malkoosa SVM
04869-232408
Perikkalloor SVM
04936-234317
Peroor SVM
0481-2791324
eroor Polyte. Hostel
0481-2790125
Peroor Saubhagya
0481-2790092
Piravom SVM
0485-2244419
Pius Mount SVM
0482-2241302
Pius Nagar SJC
04936-241583
Poozhikol Martha Bhavan SVM
04829-283894
Poozhikol Old Age Home
04829-283374
Punnathura SVM
0481-2542360
Punnathura-Balikabhavan SVM
0481-2542160
Puthuvely SJC
0482-2244735
Rajapuram SVM
0467-2224332
Ranipuram SVM
0467-227299
Ranny SVM
04735-223315
Rome, Leoniano
0039 - 06 - 328021
Rome, San Gabriele SJC
0039 -06 -3035-9029, 9056(F)
Rome, Segni SJC
0039 - 06 - 9768038
S.H. Mount Nazareth SVM
0481-2312543
S.H. Mount SJC Generalate
0481-2560332 / 2565750
S.H. Mount SVM Generalate
0481-2311979 / 2311513
S.H.Mount, Thaibusa
0481-2564161
Samkranthi Kanthis
0481-2596509
Sanjose, Rajkot SJC
0281-573111
Sreekandapuram SVM
0460-2230348
Switzerland Faido svm
0041-91-866153, 8661531, 8662301(F)
Switzerland Tenero SJC
0041-91-7454852
Tanzania SVM
002-55262720
Thellithode SJC
04868-262017
Thettamala SVM
04935-230177
Thottara SJC
0484-2746675
Thuruthicad SJC
0469-2682997
Trivandrum SJC
0471-2301556
Trivandrum SVM
0471-2316207
U.S.A. Los Angels SJC
1-626-338 8983
U.S.A. Los Angels SVM
1-310-674-7050 (3299)
Ujjain- Shajapur SJC
07364-229537
Uzhavoor (Thirubalanagar)
0482-2240646
Uzhavoor College Hostel
0482-2240169
Uzhavoor SVM
0482-2240021
Vadakkummury SJC
0486-2243434
Vadinar, Rajkot SJC
02833-56571
Vakathanam Paripalana
0481-2462024
Varapetty SVM
0485-2282448
Veliyanad SVM
0477-2753532
Velloor SJC
04829-256316

TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN GENERAL
(If you are calling to India from another country, use 91 (country code) and
skip "0" at the beginning of the numbers given below for calls. to India
Outside India numbers are given as if you are calling from India).
Catholic Bp's House, Kottayam
0481-2563527, 2563812, 2564256, 2563327 (Fax)
Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry
0481-2565023 (P), 2790966 (P)
Mar Mathew Moolakkatt
0481-2565024 (P)
Aluva, Mangalapuzha Seminary
0484-2606745 / 2604120
Archiepiscopal Curia (Kakkanad)
0484 -2424768 / 2425727 / 2424780 / 2426235 / 2426236 /
Bangalore, Gurukulam
080-6685521(T&F)
Bangalore, Gualbert Bhavan
080-5618318 / 5614065
Bangalore, St. John’s M.C.
080-2065170
Bombay- Knanaya Centre
022-28471484, 23725539 (Presi.)
Caritas Hospital Director
0481- 2790164
Caritas Hospital Aisst. Director.
0481-2790763
Caritas Hospital Chaplain’s . Quat.
0481-2790761
Caritas Hospital
0481-2790025/26/27/28/29
Caritas Pharmacy Hostel
0481-2790273
Caritas Secular Institute
0481-2790902 / 2790374 /
Caritas Vianney Home
0481-2791071
Caritas, Bishop’s Room at BTM
0481-2790966
Caritas, Maria Bhavan
0481-2790425
Caritas, Nursing School
0481-2790539
Caritas, Pharmacy College
0481-2790638
Caritas, Ayurvedic Hospital
0481-2790560/ 2790361
Caritas, BTM Old Age Home
0481-2790570
Chaithanya Pastoral Centre Director
0481- 2790950
Chaithanya Pastoral Centre
0481-2790947,48,49,51,
Chullikara Don Bosco SDB
04672-226787
Education Office, Kottayam
0481-2300454
Fr. Animoottil T., (USA)
001-914-7883765
Fr. Adoppally Thomas
001-914-736-3054
Fr. Chettiath Alex
0482-2254116, 254712
Fr. Chollampel J., Vianney Home
0481-2790168
Fr. Kalarickal Abraham
001 914 309 5822
Fr. Karukaparambil G. Germany
0049-9323-3888, 9323- 870385 (P)
Fr. Kattiyankel Baby (USA)
001-310-360 6283
Fr.M adathikalathil D. (Sanjose, USA)
001-408-879-1123
Fr. Manapuram J. (USA)
001-713-778-1201
Fr. Medayil Cyriac
0481-2535191
Fr. Mulavanal Thomas
001-310-825 7484 (cont.)
Fr. Mutholath A., (Chicago USA)
001-773-286 2556
Fr. Pathiyil P.,Vianney Home
0481-2791854
Fr. Pazhukayil Simon Germany
0049-991-2708721
Fr. Peringelil Cyriac
0481-2791851
Fr. Plathottathil J., Germany
0049- 9446-513, 9446910194 (F)
Fr. Stephen Jairaj (Amala bh, Kannur)
0497- 2728572
Fr.T hevarmannil Cyriac, Germany
0049-9134-707668
Fr. Vattothuparambil T., (USA)
001-215-646-2158, 646-4864 (F)
Fr. Vettukallel Mathew
0049-991-3201443
Fr. Vezhaparambil J. , Germany
0049-991-3801005
Italy, Anagni Seminary
0039 -77573381
Italy, Florence Seminary
0039- 055 -283875
Italy, Vallombrosa
0039- 055 -862251
Kaduthuruthy Bes Thlaye
04829-282528
Kaduthuruthy I.T.C.
04829-282330
Kaduthuruthy, St. Joseph’s Old Age Home
04829-282334
Kaipuzha Hospital
0481-2711418
Kannur, Barmariam P.Centre
0497-2701333, 2702133
Kannur, Catechism
0497-2707835
Kannur, MASSS
0497-2701833
Kidangoor L.L. Hospital
0482-2254156 / 255845 / 256169
Kottayam Jyothi Books & C.M Press
0481-2301034
Kottayam, B.C.M. College
0481-2562171, 2560307
Kottayam, Apna Des
0481-2562448, 2303542 (Fax)
Kottayam, BCM Hostel
0481-2563083/2300726
Kuttoor O.S.H. Dayara
0469-2614379
Lugano Seminary
0041-91-9233396
Madnaha Thelogical Institute
0481-2790685
Monippally M.U.M.Hospital
0482-2242222 / 243222
Montenero Monastery
0039-0586-577-723,734 (Fax)
P.O.C, Palarivattom
0484-2805722,2805815
Pavana P Center, Mananthavday
04935 242843 (Cont.)
Payyavoor Mercy Hospital
0460-2210223
Pazhuthuruthu Hostel
04829-263759
Peermade Mariagiri Boarding
04869-233069
Peermade Mariagiri School
04869-232069
Pookayam Estate
04997-224157
Poozhikol Old Age Home
04829-236274
Rome, Collegio Damasceno
0039-06-70492717/8
Rome, Philip Nenri Convent
0039 - 06 - 3735 1838
S.Batheri Don Bosco Tech.Institute
0493- 622107/623017
S.H.Mount Dayara Seminary
0481-2310764
S.H.Mount M.S.P.Seminary
0481-2560593,2564149
S.H.Mount Minor Seminary
0481-2310709
S.H.Mount O.S.H.Monastery
0481-2312387/88/89
Sneha Bhavan, Punnnathura
0482-2254693/257659
Thellakom B.T.M.
0481-2790570 / 2790966(Bp.)
Thuvanisa Prayer house
04829-242313 / 245026
Uzhavoor, Capuchin Ashram
0482-2241678 / 240794
Uzhavoor, College Hostel
0482-2240169
Uzhavoor, St. Stephen’s College
0482-2240127
Uzhavoor, Thirubalanagar
0482-2240646
Vadavathoor Seminary
0481-2578319 / 2574594 /
Viruthakulangara Abraham,
0712-2533239/2560780 (F & P)
E-MAILS & WEB SITES

Bishop's HouseEmail: cbhktym@sancharnet.in , cbhktym@hotmail.com
website of Kottayam Archdiocese www.kottayamad.org
ApnadesE-mail: apnades@sancharnet.in
Sreepuram KannurE-mail: sreepuram@sancharnet.in
Chaithanya Pastoral CentreE-mail: knanaya@satyam.net.in, Knanaya@vsnl.com
Kottayam Social Service SocietyE-mail: ksss@kottayamdiocese.com
Internet Marriage Bureau:www.knanayacatholics.com/marriage.htm
Caritas Ayurvedic HospitalWebsite: www.ayurvedichosptial.com
St. Stanislaus Minor SeminaryEmail: minorseminaryktm@sancharnet.in
Fr. Plathottathil MathewEmail: jamesmathew@freenet.de
Fr. Mulavanal ThomasEmail: mulavan@hotmail.com
Fr. Mutholath AbrahamEmail: mutholath2000@yahoo.com
Fr. Thodukayil PhilipEmail: thodukayil @aol.com
Fr. Kalarickal AbrahamEmail: kalari62@hotmail.com
Fr. N.I. MichaelEmail: mittykunju@acol.com
Fr. Kottoor ThomasEmail: tkottoor@aol.com
Fr. Kattiyankel BabyEmail: kattiyangalbaby@yahoo.com
Fr. Madathikalathil DominicEmail: dominickalathil@hotmail.com
Fr. Manapuram JosephEmail: jomanapuram@yahoo.com
Fr. Adoppillil ThomasEmail: tomadoppillil@hotmail.com
Fr. Vayalumkal BijuEmail: biju105@hotmail.com
Fr. Animoottil ThomasEmail: animoottil@rediffmail.com, tanimoottil@yahoo.com
Fr. Karukaparambil GeorgeEmail: joichan.k@gmx.de
Fr. Manakatt MathewEmail: ktm_manakatm@sancharnet.in
Fr. Parackacheruvil JobyEmail: jobypthomas35@hotmail.com
S.K.P.S. Junior College, PazhuthuruthE-mail: kuriake@md2.vsnl.net.in
SVM Generalate E-mail: ktm_svmhouse@sancharnet.in
SJC GeneralateE-mail: sjcktm@satyam.net.in